US20110216512A1 - Low Cost PCB Carrier and Connectivity System For Enclosed Electronics - Google Patents
Low Cost PCB Carrier and Connectivity System For Enclosed Electronics Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110216512A1 US20110216512A1 US13/039,992 US201113039992A US2011216512A1 US 20110216512 A1 US20110216512 A1 US 20110216512A1 US 201113039992 A US201113039992 A US 201113039992A US 2011216512 A1 US2011216512 A1 US 2011216512A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- pcb
- insulating carrier
- electrical contact
- electrical
- connection
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R9/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, e.g. terminal strips or terminal blocks; Terminals or binding posts mounted upon a base or in a case; Bases therefor
- H01R9/22—Bases, e.g. strip, block, panel
- H01R9/28—Terminal boards
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/71—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures
- H01R12/712—Coupling devices for rigid printing circuits or like structures co-operating with the surface of the printed circuit or with a coupling device exclusively provided on the surface of the printed circuit
- H01R12/716—Coupling device provided on the PCB
- H01R12/718—Contact members provided on the PCB without an insulating housing
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K7/00—Constructional details common to different types of electric apparatus
- H05K7/14—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack
- H05K7/1417—Mounting supporting structure in casing or on frame or rack having securing means for mounting boards, plates or wiring boards
- H05K7/142—Spacers not being card guides
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
- H01R12/70—Coupling devices
- H01R12/7005—Guiding, mounting, polarizing or locking means; Extractors
- H01R12/7011—Locking or fixing a connector to a PCB
- H01R12/7052—Locking or fixing a connector to a PCB characterised by the locating members
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
- H01R4/10—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation
- H01R4/18—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping
- H01R4/183—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping for cylindrical elongated bodies, e.g. cables having circular cross-section
- H01R4/184—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping for cylindrical elongated bodies, e.g. cables having circular cross-section comprising a U-shaped wire-receiving portion
- H01R4/185—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation effected solely by twisting, wrapping, bending, crimping, or other permanent deformation by crimping for cylindrical elongated bodies, e.g. cables having circular cross-section comprising a U-shaped wire-receiving portion combined with a U-shaped insulation-receiving portion
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/311,176, filed Mar. 5, 2010, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.
- 1. Technical Field
- The invention relates to the securing of a printed circuit board (PCB) within an enclosure. More particularly, the invention relates to a low cost PCB carrier and connectivity system for enclosed electronics.
- 2. Description of the Background Art
- Complex electrical systems, such a solar power systems, integrate cables and electronic assemblies, such as printed circuit boards (PCB), within an enclosure. The interconnection of these various components must be secure, efficient, and inexpensive. In this regard, it would be advantageous to address the integration of electrical busses within an enclosure, connectivity to electrical circuitry within the enclosure, and connectivity to integrated connectors that connect the busses and the internal circuitry to external conductors.
- The invention addresses the integration of electrical busses within an enclosure, connectivity to electrical circuitry within the enclosure, and connectivity to integrated connectors that connect the busses and the internal circuitry to external conductors.
-
FIG. 1 is a side, elevation view of an insulating support carrier according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a top, plan view showing an insulating support carrier according to the invention; -
FIG. 3 is side, elevation view showing a base of enclosure according to the invention; -
FIG. 4 is perspective view of an insulating support carrier according to the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a side, elevation view showing electrical contacts according to the invention; -
FIG. 6 is a front, elevation view showing the electrical contacts according to the invention; -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the contacts crimped according to the invention; -
FIG. 8 is front, elevation view showing an electrical contact base according to the invention; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a complete insulating support carrier according to the invention; -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the top left hand portion of the insulating support carrier shown inFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is top, plan view showing an example of a printed circuit board according to the invention; -
FIG. 12 is a side, elevation view of the insulating support carrier according to the invention; and -
FIG. 13 is an exploded, perspective view showing an example of cabling and localized insulator stripping for crimping and connectivity according to the invention. - An embodiment of the invention provides a low cost printed circuit board (PCB) carrier and connectivity system. One aspect of the invention comprises a unique technique for securing a PCB within an enclosure, while providing electrical interconnection between wire cabling and/or other PCBs, without the use of screws.
- In an embodiment, the connectors and cables are secured to a non-conductive insulating carrier that is self aligning to the base of an enclosure or other such mounting holder. The PCB is then secured to the insulating carrier through locking standoffs that are guided into correct alignment via locator pins on the insulating carrier and mating apertures formed in the PCB. In an embodiment, the electrical contacts are mounted onto the insulating carrier using non-conductive electrical contact bases. Wires, for example, within one or more cables, are stripped of their insulation at any point thereof comprising the electrical contact point, and electrical and mechanical connection is made to the electrical contacts by crimping the contacts to the wires. The other end of the electrical contact is a blade structure that makes electrical connection to the PCB through self aligning vias, which may then be soldered to the electrical contacts and which make electrical contact to traces on the PCB, or the blade structure may pass thought the via into a contact mounted and soldered to the PCB traces above the via. Multiple PCBs can be interconnected by either varying the length of the standoffs and the bladed part of the electrical contact, or soldering blade structure contacts to the trace of a PCB and having it pass through a self aligning via on another PCB either above or below.
- In another embodiment, securing of the PCB, insulating carrier, and the enclosure is achieved by placing a cover having PCB locking posts on the inside of the enclosure.
-
FIG. 1 is a side, elevation view of an insulating support carrier.FIG. 1 shows a PCB standoff and secure lock (101) that engages through a corresponding aperture (202) formed in a printed circuit board (PCB) (201) (seeFIG. 11 ), and that locks the PCB in place. The PCB standoff and secure lock retains the PCB securely in place and also provides a mechanism for assuring correct alignment of the PCB. The top of the standoff (101) also engages with a board lock on the enclosure lid, which also provides a secure lock that holds the PCB firmly in place once the unit is assembled. The electrical contact base (102) provides a receptacle for the electrical connector (109) between one or more wires (301) (seeFIG. 9 ) and PCB contact points (204) (seeFIG. 11 ). The electrical contact base provides stability of connection and correct alignment between the wires and the PCB connection points. PCB locator pins (103) provide correct alignment of the PCB and correspond to respective locator holes (203) (seeFIG. 11 ) formed in the PCB (201) (seeFIG. 11 ). In an embodiment, the locator pins align and engage before the PCB standoffs (101) engage. -
FIG. 2 is a top, plan view showing an insulating support carrier. In an embodiment, the carrier (105) is made of a non-conductive material, e.g. plastic, for lowest cost, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that other materials may be used. The carrier (105) is placed into the enclosure which contains pins or studs (107) (seeFIG. 3 ). In an embodiment, there are three alignment holes (104) to ensure correct orientation of insulating support carrier to enclosure. Cable locks (106) provide a mechanism for strain relief and for securing wires to the insulating support carrier for electrical connection beyond the insulating support carrier. -
FIG. 3 is side, elevation view showing a base of enclosure (108) including alignment pins (107). -
FIG. 4 is perspective view of an insulating support carrier, showing PCB standoff and secure locks (101), electrical contact bases (102), PCB locator pins (103), cable locks (106), and enclosure base alignment apertures (104). -
FIG. 5 is a side, elevation view showing electrical contacts (109) for secure connection to wires (301) and PCB (201).FIG. 6 is a front, elevation view showing the electrical contacts. These contacts are crimped, as shown inFIG. 7 , to secure the wire and make an electrical connection between the wire (301) and the PCB (201).FIG. 8 is front, elevation view that shows an electrical contact base (102). The provision of a rectangular blade ensures correct alignment and prevents connection in any other orientation (seeFIGS. 9 and 10 ). -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a complete insulating support carrier, including wires (301) fastened to the insulating support carrier (108) and connected to electrical contacts (109) that are fastened to their respective electrical contact bases (102). Structures (302) and (303) are wire guides and spacers in this example, where the PCB has heavy magnetic components mounted directly over these guides and spacers. -
FIG. 10 is an enlarged, partial perspective view of the top left hand portion of the insulating support carrier shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is top, plan view showing an example of a printed circuit board, i.e. PCB (201). The PCB (201) is secured via the PCB standoff and secure lock (101) through apertures (202). In some embodiments, once the PCB (201) is secured by pressing the PCB firmly onto the PCB standoff and secure locks (101), a commonly used tool known to those skilled in the art (not shown) is required to unmount the PCB from the PCB standoff and secure locks. Electrical connectivity is provided to any of wires, other PCBs, or other traces by a plurality of vias (204). PCB traces are normally connected to the vias points and routed on the surface of the PCB, which may also contain other devices and connectors. -
FIG. 12 is a side, elevation view of the insulating support carrier (105) showing the relation of the standoffs (101), PCB locator pins (103), and electrical contact bases (102) to their counterparts on the PCB (201). -
FIG. 13 is an exploded, perspective view showing an example of cabling and localized insulator stripping for crimping and connectivity. Wires (301) have their insulation removed and the uninsulated portion (303) is inserted into the electrical contact (109) where the electrical contact (109) is then crimped. The wires may terminate at either an electrical contact (109) or at connectors (302) that are specific to the application. - Although the invention is described herein with reference to the preferred embodiment, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the Claims included below.
Claims (14)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/039,992 US20110216512A1 (en) | 2010-03-05 | 2011-03-03 | Low Cost PCB Carrier and Connectivity System For Enclosed Electronics |
PCT/US2011/027247 WO2011109741A1 (en) | 2010-03-05 | 2011-03-04 | Low cost pcb carrier and connectivity system for enclosed electronics |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US31117610P | 2010-03-05 | 2010-03-05 | |
US13/039,992 US20110216512A1 (en) | 2010-03-05 | 2011-03-03 | Low Cost PCB Carrier and Connectivity System For Enclosed Electronics |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110216512A1 true US20110216512A1 (en) | 2011-09-08 |
Family
ID=44531191
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/039,992 Abandoned US20110216512A1 (en) | 2010-03-05 | 2011-03-03 | Low Cost PCB Carrier and Connectivity System For Enclosed Electronics |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110216512A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011109741A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100301817A1 (en) * | 2008-04-02 | 2010-12-02 | Array Converter, Inc. | Method for controlling electrical power |
US20100332167A1 (en) * | 2009-06-25 | 2010-12-30 | Array Converter, Inc. | Method for determining the operating condition of a photovoltaic panel |
CN102496832A (en) * | 2011-11-11 | 2012-06-13 | 中航华东光电有限公司 | Guiding device for installing printed plate on electronic device, and guiding method of the same |
US8482156B2 (en) | 2009-09-09 | 2013-07-09 | Array Power, Inc. | Three phase power generation from a plurality of direct current sources |
US9112430B2 (en) | 2011-11-03 | 2015-08-18 | Firelake Acquisition Corp. | Direct current to alternating current conversion utilizing intermediate phase modulation |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8933320B2 (en) | 2008-01-18 | 2015-01-13 | Tenksolar, Inc. | Redundant electrical architecture for photovoltaic modules |
EP2911263A3 (en) | 2009-06-15 | 2015-10-14 | Tenksolar, Inc. | Illumination agnostic solar panel |
US9773933B2 (en) | 2010-02-23 | 2017-09-26 | Tenksolar, Inc. | Space and energy efficient photovoltaic array |
US9299861B2 (en) | 2010-06-15 | 2016-03-29 | Tenksolar, Inc. | Cell-to-grid redundandt photovoltaic system |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6428352B1 (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2002-08-06 | Silicon Graphics, Inc. | Fastenerless circuit board support |
US6654254B2 (en) * | 2002-02-22 | 2003-11-25 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Printed circuit board assembly having retention module and back plate |
US6819099B1 (en) * | 2003-08-06 | 2004-11-16 | Intel Corporation | Programmable carrier plate for automated circuit board tester |
US20070209828A1 (en) * | 2006-03-08 | 2007-09-13 | Maxtor Corporation | Small Form Factor PCBA Process Carrier |
US20090091897A1 (en) * | 2004-03-10 | 2009-04-09 | Pei/Genesis, Inc. | Power Conversion Device Frame Packaging Apparatus and Methods |
US20100035455A1 (en) * | 2008-08-05 | 2010-02-11 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Socket connector having positioning members for orientating cover and base thereof |
-
2011
- 2011-03-03 US US13/039,992 patent/US20110216512A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-03-04 WO PCT/US2011/027247 patent/WO2011109741A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6428352B1 (en) * | 2000-06-30 | 2002-08-06 | Silicon Graphics, Inc. | Fastenerless circuit board support |
US6654254B2 (en) * | 2002-02-22 | 2003-11-25 | Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd. | Printed circuit board assembly having retention module and back plate |
US6819099B1 (en) * | 2003-08-06 | 2004-11-16 | Intel Corporation | Programmable carrier plate for automated circuit board tester |
US20090091897A1 (en) * | 2004-03-10 | 2009-04-09 | Pei/Genesis, Inc. | Power Conversion Device Frame Packaging Apparatus and Methods |
US20070209828A1 (en) * | 2006-03-08 | 2007-09-13 | Maxtor Corporation | Small Form Factor PCBA Process Carrier |
US20100035455A1 (en) * | 2008-08-05 | 2010-02-11 | Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd. | Socket connector having positioning members for orientating cover and base thereof |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100301817A1 (en) * | 2008-04-02 | 2010-12-02 | Array Converter, Inc. | Method for controlling electrical power |
US8154892B2 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2012-04-10 | Arraypower, Inc. | Method for controlling electrical power |
US20100332167A1 (en) * | 2009-06-25 | 2010-12-30 | Array Converter, Inc. | Method for determining the operating condition of a photovoltaic panel |
US8239149B2 (en) | 2009-06-25 | 2012-08-07 | Array Power, Inc. | Method for determining the operating condition of a photovoltaic panel |
US8482156B2 (en) | 2009-09-09 | 2013-07-09 | Array Power, Inc. | Three phase power generation from a plurality of direct current sources |
US9112430B2 (en) | 2011-11-03 | 2015-08-18 | Firelake Acquisition Corp. | Direct current to alternating current conversion utilizing intermediate phase modulation |
CN102496832A (en) * | 2011-11-11 | 2012-06-13 | 中航华东光电有限公司 | Guiding device for installing printed plate on electronic device, and guiding method of the same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2011109741A4 (en) | 2011-11-03 |
WO2011109741A1 (en) | 2011-09-09 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: EIQ ENERGY, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:VOSPER, IAN;KRZYWINSKI, EUGENE;SPEERS, TROY;SIGNING DATES FROM 20110302 TO 20110303;REEL/FRAME:025898/0304 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: VENTURE LENDING & LEASING VI, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:EIQ ENERGY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026079/0574 Effective date: 20110401 Owner name: VENTURE LENDING & LEASING V, INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY AGREEMENT;ASSIGNOR:EIQ ENERGY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026079/0574 Effective date: 20110401 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |